Vir Chakra (VrC)Awardee: Gp Capt Arun Vasant Sathaye, VrC

On 4 December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Arun Vasant Sathaye, a senior pilot of a fighter-bomber squadron, was detailed as a member of four aircraft strike missions over an airfield. He carried out two successful attacks despite heavy ground fire. During his first attack, he destroyed a building. While pulling out he noticed an aircraft parked in the adjoining area. He went in for the second attack on the enemy bomber, which was being refueled. After attacking the aircraft, he saw huge flames near the aircraft and also a column of smoke going up.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Sathaye displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.